7 Things Super Mario Galaxy Movie Must Include From the Game (or Fans Will Be Furious)

Getting a movie adaptation was a death sentence for a video game for a long time. For whatever reason, Hollywood struggled to adapt a player-driven story into something worthwhile. It also didn’t help that taking any creative liberty with the source material led to waves and waves of backlash. While there have been situations, such as with Sonic’s original design, where change ends up being worse, it shouldn’t be attacked right out of the gate. The Super Mario Bros. Movie preached that lesson when it took all the hate in stride after casting Chris Pratt in the lead role. The film ended up being a major success and a love letter to the game franchise that has entertained millions over the years.

With a win in their back pockets, Universal Pictures, Nintendo, and Illumination are stepping back up to the plate. They aren’t holding anything back, though. In fact, the ante is about to be upped in a significant way. Here are seven things that The Super Mario Galaxy Movie must include from the game if it doesn’t want to upset fans all over again.

7) Melty Molten Galaxy

Bowser wants to capture Princess Peach by any means necessary, so he doesn’t mind traveling far away from home. In Super Mario Galaxy, Mario has to go from universe to universe to collect the Power Stars that Bowser has stolen. One of his stops is the Melty Molten Galaxy, which features numerous challenging and unique levels. Turning up the heat on the titular character will go a long way in ensuring his new adventure is just as exciting as his last one.

6) Yoshi

While journeying through the cosmos in Super Mario Galaxy, Mario meets up with some friends, including his brother Luigi and Toad. But there’s an important Nintendo figure who’s missing from the action: Yoshi, who also doesn’t appear in The Super Mario Bros. Movie. A green egg that likely houses the dinosaur-like creature does show up, so it’s up to The Super Mario Galaxy Movie to make good on its predecessor’s promise and include an important character from Super Mario Galaxy 2.

5) Rosalina

Super Mario Galaxy‘s biggest addition to the Mario canon is Rosalina, one of the guardians of the universe. Bowser steals the Power Stars from her Comet Observatory, forcing her to rely on Mario for help. If Rosalina isn’t part of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, it won’t be a real adaptation of the game. The only way forward is for her to have a major role, which means getting a notable actor to voice her.

4) Bowser Jr.

Bowser can’t expect to use his same old trick to defeat Mario. After all, the villain’s plan fails in The Super Mario Bros. Movie. One way Bowser can get closer to victory is by bringing his son, Bowser Jr., into the fold. In Super Mario Galaxy 2, the miniature monster causes all sorts of problems for his dad’s arch-enemy. While there’s surely a child actor who can tackle the role, having Jack Black also voice Bowser Jr. would be a treat.

3) Gusty Garden Galaxy

Out of all the galaxies in Super Mario Galaxy, Gusty Garden offers the most engaging experience. The most appealing part of the location is its grassy terrain, which is home to numerous dangerous foes. Major Burrow’s, the galaxy’s boss, is the worst of them, and while he provides a challenge, the music that accompanies his fight makes losing again and again more tolerable. Bringing Gusty Garden’s Big Band and music to the big screen would be a wise choice.

2) Luma

The creatures Rosilina lives with on the Comet Observatory are Lumas, which can transform into entire galaxies with the right conditions. They accompany Mario on his journey in Super Mario Galaxy, and the movie shouldn’t do anything differently. Lumas are even able to talk, so there won’t be any communication issues when it comes time to get down to brass tacks.

1) Rainbow Mario

It’s not a Mario project if the plumber doesn’t get a new form, and Super Mario Galaxy has a few notable ones. The cream of the crop is Rainbow Mario, which only activates after Mario obtains a Rainbow Star. The power boost is significant, allowing Mario to make quick work of enemies. If Bower isn’t careful in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, he’s going to end up on the wrong end of a color barrage.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie hits theaters on April 3, 2026.

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